European Year 2009
The European Year of Creativity and Innovation is coordinated by the European Commission under the lead of the Directorate- General for Education and Culture. Under the slogan Imagine. Create. Innovate. the Year aims to promote creative and innovative approaches in different sectors of human activity, from education to enterprise, from arts to science. While promoting the well-being of all individuals in society, the purpose of the Year is to contribute to better equipping the European Union for the challenges ahead in a globalised world.
"The European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009 will help to unlock Europes creative and innovative potential, a task that has become even more important in times of economic crisis," said Jan Fígel, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Training and Youth.
EU actions in education and training
Their aim is to improve the quality of learning systems and provide greater opportunities for people at all stages of their lives. While each Member State is in charge of its own education and training system, co-ordinated action can help achieve common aims.
The European Commission focuses on two aspects: firstly, co-operation with national authorities and European stakeholders on improving policies and exchanging good practice, and secondly the development and administration of funding programmes.
The unlimited potential of European youth
The EU’s youth policies aim to meet young people’s changing expectations while encouraging them to contribute to society. This policy work is supported by concrete action in the form of a specific programme for young people called Youth in Action.
Cross-border cultural links
The European Union is very active in the field of culture. It encourages co-operation between Member States and complements their actions, while respecting their national and regional diversity. It acts on the basis of the EU Treaty.
Languages of Europe
Europe is a continent of many languages. This website contains a range of information on the languages of Europe, including the different language families, the official EU languages, as well as regional and minority languages.
You will find the results of the Eurobarometer survey of the language skills of European citizens as well as a section on language learning and useful information specifically for language teachers.
A citizens union
The EU’s strength is the human wealth and diversity of its nearly 500 million inhabitants. The Europe for Citizens programme helps promote understanding between the Union and its citizens, seeks to deepen awareness of what it means to be a European and assists in developing a sense of European identity.
Sport and the European Union
Sport is an essential part of the lives of millions of European citizens. Although it is not a direct EU competence, many EU policies touch – and are touched by – sport.
The European Commission acknowledges the essential role of sport in European society.
